This new route is the first time Juneyao Airlines has flown to Australia and will operate using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 324 seats, including 29 lie-flat business class seats.
The news of Juneyao Airlines’ new service comes as Melbourne Airport marks a significant milestone in the upgrade of its international baggage handling system, with the arrival of more than $50 million worth of baggage conveyor systems.
The half-a-billion-dollar T2 Next project is replacing traditional baggage belts with a new tote-based system, allowing for real-time bag tracking and paving the way for an eventual introduction of anytime check-in.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the arrival of Juneyao Airlines underscored the need for ongoing investment in the international terminal and new airfield infrastructure. “We are thrilled to welcome Juneyao Airlines to Melbourne and look forward to working with them to make this service a success.Choosing Melbourne as their first Australian destination is an incredible vote of confidence in Victoria, and Juneyao Airlines’ quality service and extra cargo capacity will help further strengthen ties with China.Melbourne Airport will now be served by more international carriers than ever before, and with the average daily international flight worth $154 million to the Victorian economy, it highlights the need for our investment in projects such as the international terminal upgrades and three-billion-dollar third runway.The third runway will ensure the airport is not capacity constrained in the future, so our existing airlines can grow and new players can enter the market, which means more choice for travellers.”
